Who we are
Effective date: · Last updated:
This Privacy Policy explains how HostDuel (“HostDuel”, “we”, “us” or “our”) handles personal information when you visit our website at site-ground.one (the “Site”). HostDuel operates the Site and is the data controller for the processing described here. You can contact us about privacy at any time at [email protected].
HostDuel is an independent comparison website. We are not affiliated with SiteGround, Hostinger or any other company we review. site-ground.one is not the official SiteGround website; SiteGround’s official website is siteground.com. When you leave our Site through a link, the other website’s own privacy policy applies.
Information we collect
Information you give us
If you email us, we receive your email address, your name (if you include it) and the content of your message. We do not require you to create an account, and we do not run user registrations, comments or payments on this Site.
Information collected automatically
- Server and security logs. Our hosting provider automatically records technical data such as your IP address, browser type, device type, referring page, pages requested and the date and time of the request. This is needed to deliver the Site and keep it secure.
- Analytics data (only with your consent). If you accept analytics cookies, we use tools such as Google Analytics to collect information about how you use the Site, including pages viewed, time on page, approximate location (derived from IP address), device and browser information, and links clicked.
- Advertising data (only with your consent). If you accept advertising cookies, our advertising partners (such as Google Ads) may collect information about your visit to measure the effectiveness of our ads, for example whether you arrived from one of our ads and which outbound links you clicked.
- Consent preferences. We store your cookie choices in your browser so that we do not ask you again on every page.
Affiliate link clicks
Some links on the Site are affiliate links. When you click one, you are taken to the provider’s website (or an affiliate network) which may set its own cookies to attribute any purchase to us. We generally receive only aggregated or anonymized reports (for example, the number of clicks and sales and the commission earned). We do not receive your payment details.
How we use your information
- To operate, maintain and secure the Site, and to prevent fraud and abuse;
- To respond to your messages and requests;
- To understand how visitors use the Site and improve our content (with consent);
- To measure the performance of our advertising campaigns (with consent);
- To track affiliate referrals so that we can be paid commissions;
- To comply with legal obligations and enforce our Terms of Use.
We do not use your information for automated decision-making that produces legal or similarly significant effects.
Legal bases (EEA, UK and Switzerland)
If you are in the European Economic Area, the United Kingdom or Switzerland, we process personal data on the following legal bases:
- Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR): analytics and advertising cookies and similar technologies. You can withdraw consent at any time through .
- Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR): operating and securing the Site, keeping server logs, answering your messages and tracking affiliate referrals.
- Legal obligation (Art. 6(1)(c) GDPR): where we must keep or disclose information by law.
International transfers
Our service providers may process information outside your country, including in the United States. Where required, we rely on appropriate safeguards such as the European Commission’s Standard Contractual Clauses, the UK International Data Transfer Addendum, or the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework where the recipient is certified.
How long we keep information
- Emails you send us: up to 24 months after our last exchange, unless a longer period is required by law;
- Server logs: typically up to 30 days, unless needed longer to investigate a security issue;
- Analytics data: up to 14 months (our configured retention period);
- Your cookie choices: until you change them or clear your browser storage.
Your privacy rights
EEA, UK and Switzerland
You have the right to access, correct or delete your personal data; to restrict or object to processing; to data portability; and to withdraw consent at any time without affecting earlier processing. You also have the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority.
United States (including California)
Depending on your state of residence, you may have the right to know what personal information we collect, to access and receive a copy of it, to correct or delete it, and to opt out of its sale, sharing or use for targeted advertising. We will not discriminate against you for exercising these rights. You may use an authorized agent to make a request on your behalf.
How to exercise your rights
Email us at [email protected]. We may need to verify your identity before acting on your request. We will respond within the time required by applicable law (generally 30 days under GDPR and 45 days under California law).
Children’s privacy
The Site is not directed to children under 16, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us and we will delete it.
Security
We use reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect information, including HTTPS encryption. No method of transmission or storage is completely secure, so we cannot guarantee absolute security.
Third-party websites
The Site links to third-party websites, including SiteGround and Hostinger. We are not responsible for their privacy practices. Please read their privacy policies before providing any personal information.
Changes to this policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will post the updated version on this page and change the “Last updated” date above. Material changes will be highlighted on the Site.
Contact us
HostDuel (site-ground.one)
Privacy requests: [email protected]
General enquiries: [email protected]